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Dual Certification for Teachers
With dual certification in Special Education and Literacy, you’ll become more marketable and increase your effectiveness in the classroom.
Introduction to Sage’s Literacy/Special Education Degree
Ideal for students already certified in elementary or childhood education, our Literacy/Special Education degree will prepare you to work with students with reading difficulties and disabilities. It will also prepare you to work as a consultant teacher, with students with disabilities in a regular classroom environment.
This program, part of the Esteves School of Education, is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Individuals without certification in Childhood Education may be interested in our Childhood/Literacy Education program or Childhood/Special Education program.
Program Distinctions
This education master’s program allows you to pursue New York State teaching certification in literacy and special education in less time than it would take to pursue the certifications individually.
You’ll be more marketable and prepared to teach every type of student in your classroom, from at-risk students struggling with reading and writing to students with behavioral issues and barriers to learning.
“Russell Sage College and the Esteves School of Education act as leaders in education not just in the Capital District, but in New York State.”
Peter Stapleton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Spotlights
Read more from students, faculty and alumni.
Careers with Dual Certification in Special Education and Literacy
After you earn your master’s degree you must pass the Content Specialty Tests for New York State teacher certification in special education and literacy to be certified in both areas.
Graduates become special educators and literacy specialists, working with general education teachers and a range of students. You’ll be able to co-teach with general education teachers, be a consultant teacher who provides support services or teach in a self-contained capacity with a small number of special education students.
Course Objectives
To develop Literacy Specialists and Special Educators who:
- evaluate, diagnose, interpret and teach students with significant difficulties in reading, writing, management and other areas that present as barriers to learners’ success
- are prepared to work closely with diverse families and other educators to provide targeted, excellent literacy instruction
- provide ongoing professional development to other educators and parents
- use data (including individual, classroom and school-wide data) to inform instructional decisions
- are highly effective in collaborating with others
